A respiratory therapy device including a housing and an interrupter valve assembly. The housing includes a patient inlet, an exhaust outlet, a chamber, and a supply inlet. The interrupter valve assembly is associated with the housing and includes a control port fluidly connecting the patient inlet and the first chamber, and a valve body adapted to selectively obstruct fluid flow through the control port. In a passive mode, positive fluid flow to the supply inlet does not occur, and the interrupter valve assembly interacts with exhaled air create an oscillatory PEP effect. In an active mode, fluid flow to the supply inlet occurs and the interrupter valve assembly operates to create a CHFO effect. The respiratory device can serve as a passive oscillatory PEP device, and when connected to a positive pressure source, as an active device.
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23. A method of providing respiratory therapy to a patient during at least a portion of a patient breathing cycle including an inspiratory phase and an expiratory phase, the method comprising:
providing a respiratory therapy device including:
a housing including a patient inlet, an exhaust outlet, and a pressurized fluid supply inlet, and
an interrupter valve assembly for selectively interrupting fluid flow to or from the patient inlet;
fluidly coupling source of pressurized fluid to the pressurized fluid supply inlet;
administering continuous high frequency oscillation therapy to the patient via the therapy device while in an active mode of operation;
discontinuing fluid flow from the source of pressurized fluid to the pressurized fluid supply inlet;
prompting the patient to repeatedly perform a patient breathing cycle; and
administering oscillatory positive expiratory pressure therapy to the patient via the device while in a passive mode of operation.
1. A device for providing respiratory therapy to a patient during at least a portion of a patient breathing cycle including an inspiratory phase and an expiratory phase, the device comprising:
a housing including a patient inlet, an exhaust outlet, a first chamber fluidly disposed between the patient inlet and the exhaust outlet, and a first pressurized fluid supply inlet; and
an interrupter valve assembly associated with the housing and including a control port fluidly connecting the patient inlet and the first chamber, and a valve body adapted to selectively obstruct fluid flow through the control port;
wherein the device is adapted to:
operate in a first, passive mode in which fluid flow to the first pressurized fluid supply inlet does not occur and the interrupter valve assembly interacts with exhaled air to create an oscillatory positive expiratory pressure effect during the expiratory phase via the body selectively obstructing fluid flow from the patient through the control port, and
operate in a second, active mode in which fluid flow to the pressurized fluid supply inlet occurs and the interrupter valve assembly interacts with the fluid flow to create a continuous high frequency oscillation effect via the valve body selectively obstructing fluid flow from the first pressurized fluid supply inlet through the control port.
2. The device of
3. The device of
4. The device of
6. The device of
7. The device of
8. The device of
9. The device of
10. The device of
11. The device of
12. The device of
13. The device of
14. The device of
15. The device of
16. The device of
17. The device of
a plate disposed between the first and second chambers, the plate forming a passage fluidly connecting the first and second chambers; and
control means associated with the passage for selectively opening and closing the passage.
18. The device of
in the passive mode, a level of the oscillatory positive expiratory pressure effect is a function of a breathing effort of the patient; and
in the active mode, a level of the continuous high frequency oscillation effect is independent of the breathing effort of the patient.
19. The device of
20. The device of
21. The device of
22. The device of
24. The method of
25. The method of
26. The method of
27. The method of
28. The method of
29. The method of
selecting a mode of operation of the device prior to administering a therapy.
30. The method of
31. The method of
locking the interrupter valve assembly in an open state;
fluidly coupling the source of pressurized fluid to the pressurized fluid supply inlet; and
administering continuous positive airway pressure therapy to the patient via the device in a CPAP mode of operation.
32. The method of
33. The method of
fluidly coupling a nebulizer to the nebulizer port; and
supplying aerosolized fluid to the patient during at least one of the active mode of operation and the passive mode of operation.
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The present disclosure relates to respiratory therapy devices and methods for administering breathing-relating treatments (e.g., oscillatory, continuous, etc.) to a patient. More particularly, it relates to respiratory therapy devices capable of creating oscillatory respiratory pressure pulses in response to the patient's expiratory airflow alone, or when connected to a source of positive pressure fluid (e.g., air, oxygen, etc.), or both. One or more additional therapies (e.g., continuous positive airway pressure, continuous positive expiratory pressure, delivery of aerosolized medication, etc.) are optionally available in some embodiments.
A wide variety of respiratory therapy devices are currently available for assisting, treating, or improving a patient's respiratory health. For example, positive airway pressure (PAP) has long been recognized to be an effective tool in promoting bronchial hygiene by facilitating improved oxygenation, increased lung volumes, and reduced venous return in patients with congestive heart failure. More recently, positive airway pressure has been recognized as useful in promoting mobilization and clearance of secretions (e.g., mucous) from a patient's lungs. In this regard, expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) in the form of high frequency oscillation (HFO) of the patient's air column is a recognized technique that facilitates secretion removal. In general terms, HFO reduces the viscosity of sputum in vitro, which in turn has a positive effect on clearance induced by an in vitro simulated cough. In this regard, HFO can be delivered or created via a force applied to the patient's chest wall (i.e., chest physical therapy (CPT), such as an electrically driven pad that vibrates against the patient's chest), or by applying forces directly to the patient's airway (i.e., breathing treatment, such as high frequency airway oscillation). Many patients and caregivers prefer the breathing treatment approach as it is less obtrusive and can more easily be administered. To this end, PAP bronchial hygiene techniques have emerged as an effective alternative to CPT for expanding the lungs and mobilizing secretions.
In the context of high frequency oscillatory breathing treatments, various devices are available. In general terms, respiratory therapy devices typically include one or more tubular bodies through which a patient breaths, with the tubular body or bodies creating or defining a patient breathing circuit. With this in mind, the oscillatory airflow effect can be created by periodically generating a pressure or positive airflow in the patient breathing circuit during one or both of an inspiratory phase or expiratory phase of the patient's breathing cycle. For example, a positive expiratory pressure (PEP) can work “against” the patient's breath during the expiratory phase of breathing. The pressure can be generated by creating a periodic (or in some instances continuous) resistance or restriction in the patient breathing circuit to expiratory airflow from the patient, or by introducing a forced fluid flow (from a positive pressure gas source) into the patient's breathing circuit in a direction opposite of the patient's exhaled air. With the airflow resistance approach, a separate, positive pressure gas source is not required. More particularly, many oscillatory positive expiratory pressure (“oscillatory PEP”) therapy devices utilize the patient's breath alone to drive an oscillatory fluid flow restriction, and thus can be referred to as “passive” devices (in contrast to an “active” respiratory therapy device that relies on a separate source of positive pressure gas as described below). Passive oscillatory PEP devices are self-administering and portable.
The Flutter® mucus clearance device (available from Axcan Scandipharm Inc., of Birmingham, Ala.), is one example of an available passive, oscillatory PEP therapy device. In general terms, the Flutter device is pipe-shaped, with a steel ball in a “bowl” portion of a housing that is loosely covered by a perforated cap. The ball is situated within an airway path defined by the device's housing; when the patient exhales into the housing, then, the ball temporarily obstructs airflow, thus creating an expiratory positive airway pressure. The bowl within which the ball is located allows the ball to repeatedly move (e.g., roll and/or bounce) or flutter to create an oscillatory or vibrational resistance to the exhaled airflow. While relatively inexpensive and viable, the Flutter device is fairly sensitive, requiring the patient to maintain the device at a particular angle to achieve a consistent PEP effect. Other passive oscillatory positive expiratory pressure devices, such as the Acapella® vibratory PEP therapy system (available from Smiths Medical of London, England) and the Quake® secretion clearance therapy device (available from Thayer Medical Corp., of Tucson, Ariz.) are known alternatives to the Flutter device, and purport to be less sensitive to the position in which the patient holds the device during use. While these and other portable oscillatory PEP therapy devices are viable, opportunities for improvement remain, and patients continue to desire more uniform oscillatory PEP results.
As an alternative to the passive oscillatory PEP devices described above, continuous high frequency oscillatory (CHFO) treatment systems are also available. In general terms, the CHFO system includes a hand-held device establishing a patient breathing circuit to which a source of positive pressure gas (e.g., air, oxygen, etc.), is fluidly connected. The pressure source and/or the device further include appropriate mechanisms (e.g., control valves provided as part of a driver unit apart from the hand-held device) that effectuate intermittent flow of gas into the patient breathing circuit, and thus percussive ventilation of the patient's lungs. With this approach, the patient breathes through a mouthpiece that delivers high-flow, “mini-bursts” of gas. During these percussive bursts, a continuous airway pressure above ambient is maintained while the pulsatile percussive airflow periodically increases airway pressure. Each percussive cycle can be programmed by the patient or caregiver with certain systems, and can be used throughout both inspiratory and expiratory phases of the breathing cycle.
Examples of CHFO devices include the IPV® ventilator device (from PercussionAire Corp., of Sandpoint, Id.) and a PercussiveNeb™ system (from Vortran Medical Technology 1, Inc., of Sacramento, Calif.). These and other similar “active” systems are readily capable of providing not only CHFO treatments, but also other positive airflow modes of operation (e.g., continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)). However, a positive pressure source is required, such that available active respiratory therapy systems are not readily portable, and are relatively expensive (especially as compared to the passive oscillatory PEP devices described above). Oftentimes, then, active respiratory treatment systems are only available at the caregiver's facility, and the patient is unable to continue the respiratory therapy at home. Instead, a separate device, such as a portable, passive oscillatory PEP device as described above must also be provided. Further, the hand-held portion of some conventional active respiratory therapy systems must be connected to an appropriate driver unit that in turn is programmed to effectuate the desired fluid flow to the patient (e.g., CHFO, CPAP, etc.). That is to say, the hand-held portion of some active systems is not self-operating, but instead relies on the driver unit for applications. Any efforts to address these and other limitations of available active respiratory therapy devices would be well-received. This limitation represents a significant drawback.
In light of the above, a need exists for respiratory devices capable of providing oscillatory PEP therapy utilizing the patient's breath alone, as well as CHFO therapy (and optionally other therapies such as CPAP) when connected to a positive pressure source. In addition, improved passive oscillatory PEP or active respiratory therapy devices are also needed.
Some aspects in accordance with principles of the present disclosure relate to a device for providing respiratory therapy to a patient during at least a portion of a patient breathing cycle otherwise including an inspiratory phase and an expiratory phase. The device includes a housing and an interrupter valve assembly. The housing includes a patient inlet, an exhaust outlet, a chamber, and a pressurized fluid supply inlet. The chamber is fluidly disposed between the patient inlet and the exhaust outlet. The interrupter valve assembly is associated with the housing and includes a control port fluidly connecting the patient inlet and the chamber. Further, the interrupter valve assembly includes a valve body adapted to selectively obstruct fluid flow through the control port. With this in mind, the device is adapted to operate in a first, passive mode and a second, active mode. In the passive mode, positive airflow to the supply inlet does not occur. The interrupter valve assembly interacts with exhaled air from the patient to create an oscillatory positive expiratory pressure effect during at least the expiratory phase. Conversely, in the active mode, positive fluid flow to the fluid supply inlet occurs and the interrupter valve assembly interacts with this fluid flow to create a continuous high frequency oscillation effect. With this configuration, then, the respiratory device can serve as a passive, oscillatory PEP device for use by a patient at virtually any location. In addition, when connected to a positive pressure gas source, the respiratory therapy device provides active therapy. In some embodiments, the interrupter valve assembly includes a drive mechanism akin to a reverse roots blower, utilizing forced air (e.g., either the patient's exhaled airflow or airflow from a separate positive gas source) to cause rotation of the roots blower lobes, that in turn cause the valve body to periodically open and close the control port. In other embodiments, the device can provide or facilitate one or more additional therapies such as continuous PEP, CPAP, delivery of aerosolized medication, etc.
Other aspects in accordance with the present disclosure relate to a method of providing respiratory therapy to a patient during at least a portion of a patient breathing cycle including an inspiratory phase and an expiratory phase. The method includes providing a respiratory therapy device including a housing and an interrupter valve assembly. The housing includes a patient inlet, an exhaust outlet, and a pressurized fluid supply inlet. The interrupter valve assembly is adapted to selectively interrupt fluid flow to or from the patient inlet. A source of pressurized fluid is fluidly coupled to the fluid supply inlet. Continuous high frequency oscillation treatment is administered to the patient via the therapy device, with the therapy device operating in an active mode. Fluid flow from the source of pressurized fluid to the fluid supply inlet is discontinued. The patient is then prompted to repeatedly perform a patient breathing cycle using the therapy device. In this regard, the therapy device administers an oscillatory positive expiratory pressure treatment to the patient while operating in a passive mode. In some embodiments, the passive mode of operation is characterized by the level of oscillatory positive expiratory pressure treatment being a function of a breathing effort of the patient, whereas the active mode of operation is characterized by a level of continuous high frequency oscillation treatment being independent of the patient's breathing effort. In yet other embodiments, the method further includes administering one or more additional therapies to the patient via the device, such as CPAP, continuous PEP, delivery of aerosolized medication, etc.
In general terms, aspects of the present disclosure relate to respiratory therapy devices and related methods of use that are: 1) capable of operating in either of an active mode (e.g., CHFO) or a passive mode (e.g., oscillatory PEP); or 2) improved passive-only oscillatory PEP devices; or 3) improved active-only devices (CHFO and/or CPAP). As used throughout this specification, an “active” therapy device is in reference to a device that requires a separate source of positive pressure fluid to effectuate a designated respiratory therapy, whereas a “passive” therapy device is in reference to a device that delivers a designated respiratory therapy in and of itself (i.e., a separate source of positive pressure fluid is not necessary). Thus, an “active-only” therapy device is one that must be connected to a separate source of positive pressure fluid. Conversely, a “passive-only” therapy device is one that is not configured to receive pressurized fluid from a separate source. Given these definitions, several of the embodiments associated with this disclosure have base constructions appropriate for passive-only, oscillatory PEP applications, as well as modified base constructions that promote use of the device as either an oscillatory PEP therapy device or, when fluidly connected to a source of pressurized fluid, as a CHFO therapy device. In yet other embodiments, the base construction can be employed with an “active only” therapy device that provides CHFO therapy (and, in some embodiments, other respiratory therapies such as CPAP) when connected to a source of positive pressure fluid. With any of these embodiments, optional features can be included to facilitate delivery of aerosolized medication.
With the above understanding in mind,
In light of the above, the respiratory therapy device 30 provides both active and passive modes of operation, allowing the patient (not shown) to receive oscillatory PEP treatments with the device 30 at virtually any location, as well as CHFO treatments (and optionally other active treatments such as CPAP) when the patient is at a location at which the pressurized fluid source 48 is available. The respiratory therapy device 30 can further be configured to facilitate additional respiratory therapy treatments, such as delivery of aerosolized medication (for example via a nebulizer 50). The nebulizer 50 can be connected to a port (not shown) provided by the housing 32, or can include an appropriate connection piece (e.g., T-connector or line) that is fluidly connected to the housing 32 (e.g., to the patient inlet 36) when desired. Finally, while the pressurized fluid source 48 is shown apart from the housing 32, in other embodiments, the pressurized fluid source 48 can be attached to, or carried by, the housing 32 (e.g., a pressurized canister mounted to the housing 32).
With the above in mind, the respiratory therapy device 30 can assume a variety of forms capable of operating in a passive mode (e.g., oscillatory PEP therapy) and an active mode (e.g., CHFO therapy). One embodiment of a respiratory therapy device 60 providing these features is shown in
The housing 62 is shown in greater detail in
The housing 62 can form or define fluid flow features in addition to the supply inlets 74. For example, and as best shown in
Relative to the top perspective view of
Returning to
With the above in mind,
With the above conventions in mind, the first nozzle 100a is positioned within the first chamber 72, and includes or defines an inlet end 114 and an outlet end 116. The inlet end 114 is fluidly connected to the first patient supply inlet 74a such that fluid flow through the first patient supply inlet 74a is directed toward the outlet end 116. The outlet end 116, in turn, is aligned with the first control port 78a so as to direct fluid flow from the first nozzle 100a to the first control port 78a. In some embodiments, the first nozzle 100a tapers in diameter from the inlet end 114 to the nozzle end 116, such that a jet-like fluid flow from the first patient supply inlet 74a to the first control port 78a is established. In this regard, ambient air can be entrained into the fluid flow from the nozzle 100a (as well as the nozzle 100b) via the second relief port arrangement 94. A one-way valve structure 118 is illustrated in
Regardless of whether ambient air is introduced into the first chamber 72, a gap 120 (referenced generally) is established between the outlet end 116 and the plate 76 (and thus the first control port 78a). As described in greater detail below, the gap 120 is sized to facilitate assembly and movement of the valve body 80 (
The drive supply inlet 74c (
Returning to
While the valve body 80 is shown as including two of the valve plate segments 132, 134, any other number, either greater or lesser is also acceptable, and the number of plate segment(s) 132, 134 provided need not necessarily equal the number of control ports 78. In other embodiments, for example, the valve body 80 is configured and positioned so as to fluidly interface with only one of the control ports 78 as described below. Even further, the valve body 80 can have configurations differing from the propeller-like construction shown. Regardless, the valve body 80 is constructed such that all of the control port(s) 78 can simultaneously be obstructed (e.g., completely blocked or less than completely blocked) by the valve body 80 in some embodiments.
The drive mechanism 82 is shown in greater detail in
As shown in
Assembly of the interrupter valve assembly 64 to the housing 62 is partially shown in
With the above understanding in mind, forced movement of the drive mechanism 82 can occur in one of two manners that in turn are a function of whether the device 60 is operating in a passive mode (e.g., oscillatory PEP) or an active mode (e.g., CHFO). For example, in the passive mode, the respiratory therapy device 60, and in particular the drive mechanism 82, operates solely upon the patient's exhaled air or breath. In this regard, and with reference to
With the therapy device 60 configured as described above, the passive mode of operation can entail the mouthpiece 86 (or other patient interface piece (not shown) otherwise attached to the mouthpiece 86) is inserted into the patient's mouth, and the patient being prompted to breathe through the therapy device 60. During an inspiratory phase of the patient's breathing cycle, ambient air is readily drawn into the housing 62 via the third relief port arrangement 96 (that otherwise includes a one-way valve structure 170 (
During the expiratory phase, exhaled airflow is directed from the patient/mouthpiece 86, through the patient inlet 68, and toward the plate 76. The exhaled air can fluidly pass or flow from the patient inlet 68 to the first chamber 72 via the control ports 78 when the control ports 78 are otherwise not completely obstructed by the valve body 80 (and in particular the valve plate segments 132, 134). An example of this relationship is shown in
When the airflow into the first chamber 72 is at a pressure below the opening pressure of a valve structure 172 associated with the fourth relief port arrangement 98, the apertures 99 of the relief port arrangement 98 remain fluidly closed, and all of the airflow through the first chamber 72 flows into the second chamber 101 via the passage 106 (shown by arrows in
Airflow from the first chamber 72 into the second chamber 101 (via the passage 106) serves to drive the drive mechanism 82. In particular, airflow within the second chamber 101 acts upon the lobe assemblies 140, 142 (the lobe assembly 142 being hidden in
In some embodiments, dimensional characteristics of the drive mechanism 82 are correlated with the valve body 80 and the control port(s) 78 such that a flow rate of 10 lpm at 100 Pa, the valve body 80 generates approximately 15 pulses per second at the control ports 78, with the pressure pulses at approximately 3,000 Pa. At flow rates above 10 lpm, the valve structure 172 will open and may flutter to maintain inlet pressure to the drive mechanism 82. The fourth relief port arrangement 98 can be configured set to flow up to 20 lpm at 100 Pa (e.g., when the valve structure 172 is “open”) so as to keep the back pressure and speed approximately consistent from 10 lpm to 30 lpm. Alternatively, however, the therapy device 60 can be configured to exhibit other operational characteristics.
With reference to
Conversely, and as shown in
To better ensure positive airflow toward the patient inlet 68 (and thus the patient), the control means 84 closes the passage 106 such that all air within the first chamber 72 is forced through the control ports 78. In this regard, the drive mechanism 82, and in particular the lobe assemblies 140, 142, are acted upon and driven via fluid flow through the drive supply inlet 74c as shown in
While the device 60 has been described above as providing CHFO therapy via essentially identical fluid flow from both of the patient inlets 74a, 74b, in other embodiments, the device 60 can be configured to provide a user with the ability to select or change the level of CHFO. For example, a mechanism (not shown) can be provided that causes fluid flow from one of the supply inlets 74a or 74b to not occur (where a lower level of CHFO is desired) and continuously “blocks” the corresponding control port 78a or 78b (e.g., the supply inlet 74a or 74b can be fluidly uncoupled from the pressure source, and a closure means (not shown) actuated relative to the corresponding control port 78a or 78b). Even further, the device 60 can be modified to incorporate three of the supply inlets/nozzles 74/100 and three of the control ports 78, with respective ones of the supply inlets/nozzles 74/100 being selectively activated/deactivated and the corresponding control ports 78 being selectively blocked so as to provide three levels of CHFO. Alternatively, the three supply inlets 74 can merge into a single nozzle 100, again allowing a user to select a desired CHFO level by “activating” a desired number of the supply inlets 74.
In addition to the passive (e.g., oscillatory PEP) and active (e.g., CHFO) modes described above, the therapy device 60 can further be configured to provide additional forms of respiratory therapy. For example, and returning to
Alternatively or in addition, the therapy device 60 can be adapted to provide CPAP therapy (with or without simultaneous aerosolized drug treatment) when desired by fluidly connecting the pressurized fluid source 48 (
In yet other embodiments, the device can be configured to optionally provide a continuous PEP therapy in the passive mode. In particular, the interrupter valve assembly 64 is “locked” in an open state as previously described, and the supply inlets 74 are disconnected from the pressurized fluid source 48 (
Regardless of whether the additional modes of operation are provided, the therapy device 60 provides a marked advantage over previous designs by being operable in both the passive and active modes. For example, a patient can be given the therapy device 60 immediately following surgery, admission to the caregiver's facility (e.g., hospital), etc., and instructed to use the therapy device 60 in the passive mode. This allows the patient to begin receiving oscillatory PEP therapy treatments immediately. Subsequently, upon observation (x-rays, breath sounds, blood analysis, etc.) by the caregiver that a more aggressive oscillatory therapy is required to aide with airway clearance and/or airway expansion, the therapy device 60 can then be connected to a pressurized source (e.g., the pressurized fluid source 48 of
Although the respiratory therapy device 60 has been described as providing both passive and active modes of operation, in other embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure, similar principles of operation can be employed in a passive-only or oscillatory PEP device (that otherwise interacts with the patient's breathing). For example, an alternative embodiment respiratory therapy device 186 is shown in exploded form in
The housing 188 includes a leading section 192, an intermediate plate 194, a trailing section 196, and an end plate 198. The interrupter valve assembly 190 includes one or more control ports 200a, 200b, a valve body 202, and a drive mechanism 204. As described in greater detail below, the drive mechanism 204 rotates the valve body 202 in response to exhaled airflow from the patient to periodically obstruct or close the control ports 200a, 200b.
The leading section 192 of the housing 188 includes a tapered mouthpiece 208, and forms or defines a patient inlet 210, whereas the trailing section 196 forms a first chamber 212. The plate 194 separates the patient inlet 210 and the first chamber 212, and forms the one or more control ports 200a, 200b. As with previous embodiments, while two of the control ports 200a, 200b are shown, any other number, either lesser or greater, is also acceptable. Regardless, fluid flow between the patient inlet 210 and the first chamber 212 is via the control port(s) 200a, 200b.
The trailing section 196 further forms a second chamber 220 and, in some embodiments, an exhaust chamber (hidden in the view of
The valve body 202 is similar to the valve body 80 (
The drive mechanism 204 is akin to a reverse roots blower assembly, and includes first and second lobe assemblies 240, 242, and first and second gears 244, 246. The lobe assemblies 240, 242 each include a lobe body 250a, 250b coaxially mounted to, or integrally formed with, a shaft 252a, 252b, respectively. The shafts 252a, 252b, in turn, are assembled to, or integrally formed with, a respective one of the gears 244 or 246, with the valve body 202 being mounted to the shaft 252a of the first lobe assembly 240. Upon final assembly, the lobe bodies 250a, 250b interface with one another in a meshed fashion, as do the gears 244, 246.
With initial reference to
The intermediate plate 194 and the leading section 192 are then assembled to the trailing section 196 as shown in
A relationship of the various components of the therapy device 186 are best shown in the cross-sectional view of
During use, operation of the interrupter valve assembly 190 includes the lobe assemblies 240, 242 rotating in response to airflow entering the second chamber 220 as described in greater detail below. Rotation of the first lobe assembly 240 causes the valve body 202 to similarly rotate, thus periodically moving the valve plate segments 232, 234 into and out of alignment with corresponding ones of the control ports 200a, 200b, creating an oscillatory PEP effect in the patient inlet 210 as the patient exhales.
For example, with reference to
As shown in
With rotation of the lobe assemblies 240, 242 in response to exhaled air entering the second chamber 220, the valve body 202 is caused to rotate. To account for instances in which the valve body 202 is initially aligned with control ports 200a, 200b (and thus may impede desired airflow into the second chamber 200 sufficient to initiate rotation of the lobe assembles 240, 242), means (not shown) can be provided by which a user can self-actuate movement of the valve body 282, a valved conduit can be provided that directly fluidly connects the patient inlet 210 with the second chamber 220, etc. Regardless, the valve plate segments 232, 234 will periodically be aligned with a respective one of the control ports 200a, 200b as shown, for example in
Another embodiment respiratory therapy device 280 is shown generally in
In general terms, the device 280 operates as an “active-only” configuration, whereby the ability to disconnect the pressurized fluid source 48 (
Yet another alternative embodiment respiratory therapy device 300 in accordance with principles of the present disclosure is shown in
The outer housing portion 306 is cylindrical and is sized to receive and maintain the inner portion 308. With additional reference to
The inner housing portion 308 includes, in some embodiments, a mouthpiece 330 and a tube 332. The mouthpiece 330 is adapted for convenient placement within a patient's mouth (or assembly to separate component (e.g., a nebulizer connection piece) that in turn is adapted for placement on a patient's mouth. and thus can have, in some embodiments, an oval-like shape as shown in
The tube 332 can assume a variety of different constructions, and includes or defines a proximal section 334 and a distal section 336. As shown in
In addition to the control port 318, the interrupter valve assembly 304 includes the valve body 314 and the drive mechanism 316 as shown in
Returning to
Finally, and as shown in
Assembly of the respiratory therapy device 300 includes affixment of the valve assembly 354 to the distal section 336 of the inner housing portion 308. The trailing end 352 of the drive mechanism beam 316 is assembled (e.g., welded, bonded, etc.) to the shoulder 338 of the inner housing portion 308. As shown in
In the neutral or resting state of
During use, the therapy device 300 is provided to a patient along with instructions on desired orientation during use. In this regard, and in some embodiments, the therapy device 300 provides optimal performance when the control port 318 is spatially positioned at a “side” of the therapy device 300 as held by a patient. The oval or oblong shape of the mouthpiece 330 provides the patient with a visual clue of this desired orientation. While the therapy device 300 can operate when spatially oriented such that the control port 318 is facing “downwardly” (e.g., in the orientation of
Notwithstanding the above, operation of the therapy device 300 is described with reference to
The drive mechanism beam 316 is configured to deflect only a limited extent in response to expected forces on the valve body 314 (i.e., expected airflow pressures at the control port 318 in connection with an adult patient's expiratory phase of breathing), and thus resists overt movement of the valve body 314 away from the control port 318. In addition, as the valve body 314 is further spaced from the control port 318, the force placed upon the valve body 314 by airflow/pressure from the control port 318 inherently decreases due to an increased area of the gap 362. At a point of maximum deflection (
Although the respiratory therapy device 300 has been described in connection with a cantilever-type resonator interrupter valve assembly 304, in other embodiments, a differing configuration can be employed. For example,
The arm 380 maintains the valve body 376 and is pivotally mounted to the support 382 at a pivot point 386. The arm 380 includes a first side 388 at which the valve body 376 is formed or affixed, and an opposite, second side 390. As shown, the second side 390 is configured to provide additional mass to offset a mass of the valve body 376. Regardless, the support 382 pivotally maintains the arm 380 and can be assembled to, or formed as part of, the tube 372.
The biasing device 384 exerts a biasing force onto the valve body 376 opposite the control port 374. In some embodiments, the biasing device 384 is a coil spring secured at a first end 392 to the valve body 376/arm 380 and at an opposite, second end 394 to a support structure 396 (drawn generally in
Regardless of exact construction, the interrupter valve assembly 370 provides a balanced rocker arrangement, with the biasing device 384 serving as a stiffness element. During use, the valve body 376 limits airflow from the patient inlet 373/control port 374, with the distance or gap between the valve body 376 and the control port 374 (and thus the resistance to expiratory airflow) being cyclically dictated by the biasing device 384. Once again, as the valve body 376 approaches the control port 374, a back pressure is created within patient inlet 373 (in conjunction with continued airflow from the patient during the expiratory phase of breathing). With this arrangement, then, an oscillatory PEP therapy can be delivered, with the interrupter valve assembly 370 operating independent of a spatial orientation of the corresponding respiratory therapy device/housing. Though not shown, an additional nebulizer port(s) can be provided with, or formed by, the housing 302 through which aerosolized medication can be delivered to the patient.
Yet another alternative embodiment interrupter valve assembly 400 is shown schematically in
With the above conventions in mind, the interrupter valve assembly 400 includes the control port 406, a valve body 408, and a drive mechanism 410. Once again, the valve body 408 is sized and shaped in accordance with the size and shape of the control port 406, as previously described (e.g., identical, slightly larger, slightly smaller, etc.). With the embodiment of
The biasing device 414 defines a first end 420 and a second end 422. The first end 420 is secured to the valve body 408, whereas the second end 422 is secured to the fly wheel 412, for example by a finger 424 as shown in
Regardless of exact construction, during use the valve body 408 serves to restrict airflow from the patient inlet 404 through the control port 406. In this regard, a level of resistance to airflow (and thus back pressure created within the patient inlet 404 during expiratory phase of a patient's breathing cycle) is a function of a gap 426 (
Although the respiratory therapy device 300 (
In addition to the above, the housing 442 includes a supply inlet 464 extending from the inner housing portion 452 and exteriorly from the outer housing portion 450. The supply inlet 464 is configured for fluid connection to an external source of pressurized fluid (not shown, but akin to the pressurized fluid source 48 of
With the above in mind, the second interrupter valve sub-assembly 448 is akin to the first interrupter valve sub-assembly 446 and includes the second control port 466, a valve body 468 and a drive mechanism 470. The valve body 468 has a size and shape commensurate with a size and shape of the second control port 466, such that the valve body 468 can obstruct fluid flow through the second control port 466. Though not shown, various relief port arrangement(s) and related valve structure(s) can further be included in connection with the second interrupter valve sub-assembly 448 to ensure adequate pressure is reached to produce desired pressure pulse/volume, and/or entrainment of ambient air.
The drive mechanism 470 is, in some embodiments, an elongated beam having a first end 472 and a second end 474. The first end 472 maintains the valve body 468, whereas the second end 474 is configured for mounting to an interior shoulder 476 that in some embodiments is formed or provided by the tube 458.
Upon final assembly, then, the valve body 468/drive mechanism 470 are interiorly positioned within the tube 458, with the valve body 468 being aligned with the second control port 466. During use, positive airflow is established within the patient inlet 460, with the fluid flow being directed to the second control port 466. The second interrupter valve sub-assembly 448 operates to periodically interrupt fluid flow through the second control port 466 and into the patient inlet 460. In particular, and as previously described, the drive mechanism beam 470 moves the valve body 468 in a cyclical fashion relative to the second control port 466, thereby creating a varying obstruction to fluid flow into the patient inlet 460. Thus, when operating in an active mode (i.e., when the therapy device 440 is connected to the source of pressurized fluid 48 of
Yet another alternative embodiment respiratory therapy device 500 is shown in
The housing 502 includes an outer portion 520, an inner portion 522, and an orifice body 524. The outer portion 520 provides an exterior frame contoured for convenient handling of the therapy device 500 by a user, and maintains the various components thereof.
The inner housing portion 522 includes a mouthpiece 526 and a tube 528.
The mouthpiece 526 is sized and shaped for convenient placement within a patient's mouth (or assembly to a separate component adapted for placement in a patient's mouth, such as a nebulizer connector piece), and can be integrally formed with the tube 528. Regardless, the mouthpiece 526 and the tube 528 combine to define the patient inlet 506 through which airflow to and from the patient directly occurs. In this regard, the tube 528 extends from the mouthpiece 526 to a trailing side 530.
With additional reference to
Returning to
With the embodiment of
The beam 550 is relatively thin and is formed from a stiff material. In some embodiments, the beam 550 is formed of steel that otherwise exhibits low damping characteristics; alternatively, other materials such as plastic, ceramic, etc., may also be employed. For example, where the beam 550 is formed of steel, it can have a thickness on the order of 0.01 inch. Where differing materials are employed, a nominal thickness of the beam 550 may be increased or decreased.
As described in greater detail below, during use, the beam 550 is subjected to a vibrational force, causing a leading portion 560 thereof to resonate (whereas a trailing portion 562 is held stationary). With this in mind, in some embodiments, the beam 550 is constructed (e.g., in terms of material and dimensions) so as to not only fit within a desired footprint of the housing outer portion 520, but also to exhibit a natural frequency above a desired level such that when the micromotor assembly 552 and the valve body 512 are attached to the leading section 560, the resultant natural frequency of the resonator system 548 will approximate a desired natural frequency. For example, in some embodiments, a desired natural frequency of the resonator system 548 (at the leading section 560 of the beam 550) is approximately 15 Hz. In the absence of a mass of the micromotor assembly 552 and the valve body 512, then, the beam 550 exhibits, in some embodiments, a natural frequency well above 15 Hz (for example, on the order of 40-80 Hz). With a mass of the valve body 512 and the micromotor assembly 552 in mind, then, additional mass can be added to the beam 550 to “fine tune” the overall natural frequency of the resonator system 548 to approximate 15 Hz. Of course, in other embodiments, other frequencies exhibited by the beam 550 alone and/or in combination with the micromotor assembly 552 and the valve body 512 are also acceptable.
As best shown in
The control circuitry 554 is, in some embodiments, a control chip or circuit board adapted to regulate the voltage applied to the micromotor 570 and limit current to the micromotor 570 based on displacement and frequency of the valve body 512/beam 550. In this regard, the control circuitry 554 is adapted to monitor the beam 550, effectively viewing the beam 550 as a capacitor. With this approach, a measurement of both displacement and frequency can be made. More particularly, the frequency measurement can be used to control the output voltage to the micromotor 570 and maintain a desired speed, while the displacement measurement can be used to shift the speed of the micromotor 570 to avoid hitting “hard” stops on the beam 550. As a point of reference, if the beam 550 hits a “hard” stop, the beam 550 will stop oscillating and will require time to regain the correct valve opening and frequency. One exemplary schematic configuration of the control circuitry 554 is provided in
Returning to
In this regard, the actuator 556 can assume a variety of forms, and in some embodiments is a button or similar body projecting from the housing outer portion 520. Alternatively, the actuator 556 can assume a variety of other forms, for example a membrane-based sensor, wireless actuator, etc.
Finally, the power source 558 provides appropriate power to the micromotor 570 and the control circuitry 554. In some embodiments, the power source 558 is carried within a compartment 576 of the housing 502, and can assume any appropriate form (e.g., one or more batteries).
The respiratory therapy device 500 is shown in assembled forms in
The orifice body 524 is coupled to the trailing side 530 of the tube 528 such that the wall 534 extends across the tube 528. As shown in
The beam 550 is then assembled to the housing 502 such that the trailing section 562 is affixed relative to the housing 502, and the valve body 512 slidably extends within the slot 542 of the orifice body 524. As best shown in
The power source 558 is assembled to the housing 502 as shown, and electrically connected to the control circuitry 554 and the micromotor 570, for example via wiring (not shown). The control circuitry 554, as well as the actuator 556, are similarly assembled to the housing 502.
During use, the micromotor assembly 552 is operated to resonate the beam 550, and thus the valve body 512. As indicated above, in some embodiments, the resonator system 548 (i.e., the beam 550, micromotor 552, and the valve body 512) is constructed to exhibit a natural resonation frequency approximating a desired frequency of movement of the valve body 512 relative to the control port 510. By exciting the resonator system 548 (and thus the beam 550) at the selected natural frequency, the input force and function can be smaller than the force required to deflect the beam 550 alone, thus resulting in reduced power requirements. Thus, as the motor assembly 552 vibrates, the beam 550 resonates, causing the valve body 512 to move back and forth (e.g., up and down relative to the orientation of
Regardless of whether the micromotor 570 is powered, during the inspiratory phase of a patient's breathing cycle, ambient air readily enters the patient inlet 506 via the relief port arrangement 536. During the expiratory phase (and with appropriate activation of the drive mechanism 514 via the actuator 556), the drive mechanism 514 causes the valve body 512 to open and close the control port 510 in an oscillating fashion. For example, and with reference to
Although the respiratory therapy device 500 has been described as operating or providing only a passive mode (e.g., oscillatory PEP), in other embodiments, similar design characteristics can be employed in providing a therapy device capable of operating in both a passive mode as well as an active mode (e.g., CHFO). For example,
In a passive mode of operation (i.e., the supply inlet 602 is disconnected from the pressurized fluid source), the therapy device 600 operates as previously described (e.g., during the expiratory phase of the patient's breathing cycle, the drive mechanism 514 resonates the valve body 512 relative to the control port 510 so as to establish a periodic back pressure within the patient inlet 506 in providing oscillatory PEP therapy). In an active mode of operation, positive fluid flow is forced through the supply inlet 602 and directed by the nozzle end 604 toward the control port 510. In connection with this forced supply of airflow, the drive mechanism 514 again causes the valve body 512 to resonate relative to the control port 510, thus cyclically interrupting fluid flow from the nozzle end 604 through the control port 510, and thus into the patient inlet 506. Thus, in the active mode of operation, the respiratory therapy device 600 operates to provide CHFO treatment to the patient during an entirety of the breathing cycle (including at least the inspiratory phase of breathing). Though not shown, the therapy device 600 can incorporate additional features that facilitate use thereof to delivery aerosolized medication, CPAP therapy, etc., as described above with respect to the device 60 (
The respiratory therapy device of the present invention provides a marked improvement over previous designs. In some embodiments, a standalone respiratory therapy device is provided, capable of operating in a passive mode and an active mode. In the passive mode, the therapy device effectuates an oscillatory PEP treatment to the patient, and with many embodiments does so solely in response to the patient's exhaled breath. In the active mode of operation, an external source of pressurized fluid is connected to the device with the device independently affecting fluid flow from the external source to provide CHFO treatment. Unlike existing configurations, embodiments of the present disclosure providing an active mode of operation can be connected to virtually any pressurized fluid source (e.g., regulated or non-regulated wall source, home compressor, oxygen tank, a mechanical/pneumatic flow interrupter or “driver,” standalone ventilator system, etc.). In this regard, when connected to an existing flow interrupter/driver that otherwise generates pressurized fluid in pulsed form, the driver can provide the ability to “tailor” the actual therapy delivered to a particular patient. In yet other embodiments, the respiratory therapy device provides passive therapy (e.g., oscillatory PEP) in a manner not previously considered. In yet other embodiments, an improved “active-only” therapy device is provided. Further, with any of the embodiments, additional therapies can be provided, such as CPAP and/or nebulizer treatments.
Although the present invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Matice, Christopher J., Gillum, Christoph L., Wise, Geoffrey C., Dunsmore, Thomas J., Wilschke, Thomas C., Read, Shannon Rice
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